Morton College’s cross-country program crossed the finish line in the classroom with flying colors. The women’s program was named a 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association Cross Country Coaches Association All-Scholar Team, while three individual members earned the association’s Scholar All-American honors. The women’s squad had the country’s 15th-highest grade-point average with a 3.459 mark. Morton, Carl Sandburg and Sauk Valley were the only Illinois community college teams honored. The award requires at least five student-athletes to be ranked for consideration. The Panthers’ fantastic five included Yahana Marquez (4.0), Liliana Avitia (3.75), Marianna Cuaraque (3.27), Tatyana Rhea (3.26) and Angela Hernandez (3.0). On the women’s side, Marquez and Avitia, both an all-Skyway and Region IV runner, also received Scholar All-American honors. Andres Enriquez achieved Scholar All-American status on the men’s side with a 4.0. The cut-off for Scholar All-American honors is 3.4. The men’s and women’s program both received academic team honors in 2011, while the men’s team again was recognized in 2012.